…on Sunday, I hopped on my bike, knowing that there aren’t that many bike-riding days left until winter hits Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

I planned to do my usual ride to St. Patrick Island, but first I wanted to stop at the alley between 4th and 5th Street.

You see, there’s been construction on 17th Avenue, and I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t cursed about a lot in the last year. But I was intrigued when I heard they were closing the alley to cars and opening it up to foot traffic so that local businesses could create a space in the alley.

A bar set up a grassy area and picnic tables, the pet food place set up booth and an apartment building laid down turf and set up lawn bowling and other games.

The City of Calgary also had an information tent and that’s where I met Kate. Say what you will about Millennials, but I love them! They’re bright, creative and love to build community.

The alley idea is a pilot project, Kate explained. To see if it would work to open up alleys in other blocks as 17th Avenue construction works its way to 14th Street over the next three years.

We got talking about other cool projects like the Red Boardwalk Project on Rue St. Denis in Montreal and the Skyline Park in NYC. And we talked about ways to build community; community that would even welcome homeless people! I asked her if she was afraid of, or uncomfortable around homeless people and she said it depended on the person. But, she had “a very cool story to tell me, something that happened just last night!”

Kate is an urbanite, and like most neighbourhoods in the core, her backyard borders an alley. And over time, she met “Tom.” Tom is homeless and collects recyclables from the alley behind Kate’s home. Kate and Tom chat a lot and she saves her bottles and cans for him.

Well the night before, Tom surprised her with a gift. There’s a street artist named Raven who paints native art and Tom chose, and bought a piece from him for Kate.

I felt my eyes moisten as Kate told me the story, and you can say what you want about Millennials, but I just love them.

On my way to the alley, I heard the thunder of motorcycles. Turns out “The Distinguished Gentlemen” were riding for men’s health.

YOU EVER GET THIS IDEA in your head and you think, “I’m going to do that,” and then it comes time to do it and you don’t do it?

Grrrr I could just give myself a good kick in the butt when that happens!

One of the luxuries (if you want to call it that) of living on this good earth for half a century and a bit though, is I know I’m not the only one who sets her mind to something and then craps out at the last-minute. Rather than beat myself up about it, I am confounded by it, in a scientist-observing-and-documenting kind of way.

Most Saturdays, I meet my friend Helga for coffee at 12:30 at the Starbucks on the second floor in The Core shopping Centre. We have this little thing we do to the barista, you know when they ask you your name? Helga tells them Hell and I tell them Heaven. We usually show up at different times so it’s fun to watch the barista’s face when whichever one of us is the second one shows up and supplies their name. But I digress.

Last Saturday, as I was getting ready to walk downtown and have coffee with Helga, I put a couple of twonies (the Canadian Two Dollar coin) in my front pocket with the intention of giving them to any homeless people asking for change during my walk. In particular, I was thinking of the two homeless men who usually sit under the underpass and panhandle on 4th street SW.

I know, I know, many folks think you shouldn’t give money to people who are living on the street but I do so occasionally, or buy someone a meal or something because it feels like the right thing to do.

Anyway…

With the coins safely tucked into my pocket, I walked the block to 17th Avenue and was immediately approached and asked if I had spare change.

“No, sorry,” I said. “No worries,” he responded, “Have a great day!”

Walking away I wondered why I had said no. Was it because I had to the two men that are usually under the underpass on my mind? Was it some kind of automatic unconscious response? Amazingly, while these questions were going through my mind someone else asked me for change and again I said no.

What the heck? Didn’t I intentionally put two coins in my pocket for THIS EXACT REASON?

And so I continued to 4th Street and toward the underpass completely perplexed by my response to those who asked for what I prepared to give and yet withheld. Long story, short, when I came home later that afternoon, those two coins were still in my pocket. The two men who usually sit under the underpass were not there when I passed on the way to my coffee meeting earlier.

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

Do you ever find yourself doing the opposite of what you well-meaningly and intentionally decided to do? Do you find it as bewildering as I do?

Warm as summer on my skin but fall on the ground on 4th Street SW, Calgary AB Oct 10, 2015

Were it not for the leaves changing colour and the trees dropping their leaves, I’d have thought it was summer in Calgary on Saturday.

These are the fall days I hope for. These are the moments that make me forget we’ve already had snow.

These are the type of memories that carry me through the long and cold Canadian winter.

I hadn’t been out for a good walk in quite some time. As luck would have it, I had some errands to run and the weather was glorious.

I started out with a light jacket that almost immediately found itself tied around my waist.

A man passing in the other direction said to his companion, “Whoa, it feels good to be in the shade,” when he found temporary relief from the sun in the shadows of the tall buildings on 17th Avenue.

17th Avenue closed at 8th Street for the Thanksgiving weekend. The work needs to be done, but local businesses can’t be too happy about it.

After picking up most-delicious-looking pastries at Sourdough bakery and stashing them in my fridge so I could bring them with me the next day for Thanksgiving dinner, I headed downtown to run some more errands.

Volunteer, Heather agreed to pose for this picture – Thank you Heather!

Something was going on at the Lougheed House.

I went to investigate.

A temporary Firefighters museum was set up in honour of Fire Safety week.

Among other things, I learned that if a building is grounded, a lightning rod can be more dangerous, than helpful.

A photo of a photo of a firefighter…

A gas mask from the good ole days…

Old tools that kinda remind me of old dentistry tools I’ve seen…

At Central Memorial Park checking out the free book they gave me at the Firefighter’s museum. And YES, I’m wearing flip-flops!

After I’d completed my errands downtown I headed back home. It was so wonderful to feel the sun on my face and arms. I stopped often to shoot more pictures.

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The changing seasons remind me of the changes and transitions that happen in life.

Some are good, we welcome them and if we have any sense at all we enjoy them while they last.

Others test us, chill us to our very souls, make us wonder if we’ll be strong enough to get through them. But even these pass and leave us amazed at how strong we can be. And if we have any sense at all, we learn from them and bring forth new growth.

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

If you live in Calgary, did you get a chance to hang out outside this past weekend? What was the weather like in your city? What’s your favourite season?

It was the springboard to a shift in my thinking; from fear to trust. From despair to hope. A knowing that if I brought my best self forward, things would work out.

Hanging out my own shingle as a consultant was a wonderful experience. I learned so much from the few clients I worked with. But early in the year, it became very clear that it wasn’t going to be sustainable, and I began looking for full-time work.

So as I was closing off a very successful campaign I’d been working on with an amazing group of people, I turned my attention to finding full-time work.

It was a trying time, in the sense that jobs in my area of expertise seemed to have dried up all of a sudden. I had a few bites here and there and even a few close calls to maybe jobs, but nothing panned out. Although I still had enough money to keep me going for a few months, my future was unsure.

Let’s just say that by the time April came, I was ready to do any kind of job. So I picked myself up by the boot straps and wrote the above message on my whiteboard to help me start every day on the right foot. A message that I read out loud every morning on the way to my coffee pot in the kitchen.

And then some promising opportunities started to come my way. A phone call from someone in Vancouver who heard of me from someone I had coffee with because someone else suggested we should meet, and another job posting that looked promising and finally another possibility to work with someone I hold in high regard and respect tremendously.

That last possibility moved to the top of my wish list and I am happy to say that’s the position I was offered and accepted.

So finally my dear friends, as promised, here’s my update.

On May 1st, I started my new job at Oxford House; an organization that provides homes for men and women in recovery. Oxford House has 31 homes across Calgary and Edmonton. Each home has 4-5 bedrooms and provides a safe and welcoming space for men and women who are recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.

Oxford House has its beginnings in the United States with hundreds of homes throughout that country. Here in Canada, Oxford House was founded by the previous executive director who sadly passed away late last year . I am learning about him and the rich history of this incredible organization from the small group of people who make up the staff here.

A passionate staff, all of whom are also in recovery and some are even previous residents of Oxford House; deeply committed to helping others take responsibility for their recovery and make valuable contributions to their community.

How lucky am I to be part of something so amazing? I look forward to learning more about Oxford House and working within this dedicated team to build on the wonderful foundation that has already been laid.

It was a beautiful Friday morning when I stepped out of my apartment to walk to the Mustard Seed. I intentionally chose a route that would take me past the original Mustard Seed at 521 13 Avenue SW.

Although the building no longer exists and the site has become an extension of First Baptist’s parking lot, it is a place that I often come to when I feel lost or need to make a major decision – a sacred space, if you will.

In my mind’s eye I can still see all the people on the porch of the old house that served as The Seed’s coffee house drop-in. Back then, the idea of housing folks who were homeless was just a glint in our eye, a dream we kept like a treasure in our hearts.

Unknown to us at the time, people like Jeff would spend the night wrapped in a sleeping bag tucked behind the boards under the porch. And occasionally I brought teenaged girls home with me, or spent the night with them at that old house.

The old Veteran’s Hospital used to be across the street where the Sheldon Chumir Health Centre now stands. I remember seeing the faces of the old Veterans pressed against the windows, no doubt wondering what in tarnation was going on across the street. When they learned that we would be moving to 102 11 Avenue SE in the early 90s, they lamented that they would miss, what they called, the greatest entertainment around.

Ahh but that was then and this is now. And I was on my way to the Mustard Seed for the grand opening of the 1010 Centre.

Steve Wile, CEO, Mustard Seed

Stephen Wile, CEO of the Mustard Seed welcomed his guests including donors, government representatives, members of the Resolve Campaign team and past and present staff and volunteers.

He spoke of his gratitude to all in attendance; those who were there in the beginning with the vision and dream, those who began the process of implementing the plan and those who now occupy the centre’s spaces and facilitate hopes and dreams within its walls.

Pat Nixon, former CEO and founder of Mustard Seed

Pat Nixon, former CEO and Founder of the Mustard Seed spoke to the beginnings of the vision, the early meetings with key stakeholders and the objections and NIMBYism that arose and were overcome.

He went on to talk about the NOW, the new beginning in a building containing homes for up to 224 people and how these homes will change the lives of thousands.

Then a current resident spoke. She started by saying that three years ago she had it all; things were going well.

And then her husband died. And she fell into a depression and lost her job. Things continued on a downward spiral until she lost her home and was living in her car.

She eventually ended up at the 1010 Centre and spoke about the programs and wonderful staff who have lifted her out of despair.

“I don’t know if you noticed when you walked in,” she said. “But there are three little words on the main floor – Hope Grows Here – check it out when you leave, if you didn’t see it on the way in. Those words are true.”

The grand opening included other inspirational speakers, a tour of the facility and an incredible lunch. I got to see people I haven’t seen in years and I was witness to the dream, realized.

It was an emotional event for me, one that I feel honoured to have been invited to and privileged to have attended.

“Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.”

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

I am fortunate to see this dream fulfilled. Often that isn’t the case in life. Do you ever wonder about how something you started turned out in the end?

I wake up in my warm, Lower Mount Royal apartment in Calgary, Alberta. It’s freezing cold outside. Do I really want to leave the warmth of my cozy home and venture out into the cold?

I pulled into the parking lot around 8:30 AM and got into line with eight or so other people to pay $3 at the parking meter conveniently located outside.

It was cold. About -16, that’s minus 20-something with the wind chill.

My thin, black gloves were no match for the cold. By the time it was my turn at the meter, my hands were numb. My face was stinging from the wind.

I headed back to my car to put the paid ticket on the dashboard. Where did I park my car?? My toes were beginning to freeze in my pretty little red shoes as I scanned the parking lot for my car.

Oh there it is!

With the ticket carefully placed face-up on the dash, I headed toward the Red and White Club to join 400+ others who were there for the launch of the updated 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness.

As I retrieved my name tag, my hands started to thaw and my fingertips felt as if they were on fire.

And then it hit me.

Diana Krecsy. Photo by Robson Fletcher

I just spent twenty minutes in the cold. Twenty minutes. That’s all.

But I remember that there are thousands of homeless people in my city who spend a lot more than twenty minutes out in the cold each and every day!

There’s something intrinsically wrong with that.

And I’m glad I ventured out and came to the Community Summit on ending homelessness. Thanks for the invite Louise!

Following is what I learned either by the presentations given or information that was published in the handouts available at each table.

We face this situation (ending homelessness) head on, and some might even say, head strong. ~ Diana Krecsy, President and CEO of the Calgary Homeless Foundation.

Krecsy went on to say that it will take more than collaboration to end homelessness in Calgary. It will take a Collective Impact.

There are five conditions that need to be met for Collective Impact:

Common Agenda

Shared measurement

Mutually reinforcing activities

Continuous Communication

Backbone support

There are three preconditions for Collective Impact:

Influential champions

Urgency of issue

Adequate resources

The updated plan to end homelessness identifies four priority directions. These are:

Prevention & Integration

Housing & Supports

Coordination & Optimization

People, Policy & Resources

This Plan is a call for community ownership and co-leadership to end homelessness. Whether we belong to the service provider community, government, the private sector, academia, media, faith community, have lived experience, or are members of the public – we all have a role to play to ensure our vision of ending homelessness becomes a reality.

A scallop has many eyes. If it was missing even one, it’s ability to see the complete picture would be impaired. if we’re missing an eye (stakeholder), there’s a piece that we’re blind to as well.

I wake up in my warm, Lower Mount Royal apartment in Calgary, Alberta. It’s freezing cold outside. Do I really want to leave the warmth of my cozy home and venture out into the cold? If I don’t…if we don’t take up the challenge, how will we ever see an end to homelessness?

I was totally stumped. No idea what I was going to write today. That is until I read Jim McKeever’s post over at Irish Investigations where he wrote about the hidden camera test of kindness video that’s been making the rounds. In a nutshell, a videographer compared peoples’ reactions to a man in a suit on crutches falling and a homeless man on crutches falling.

Years ago, on a cold winter day I parked my car at Hotel d’Arts where the homeless organization I was working for had secured parking spots for staff.

Man it was cold that day. I don’t remember how cold but it might as well have been -100 for how quickly my exposed skin started to freeze the minute I stepped out of the car.

I rushed down Centre Street toward the 12th Avenue intersection, passing men who were standing on ‘cash corner’ and waiting for anyone who might have a day’s work for them. Most of these men were homeless or at the very least, living way below the poverty line. I probably knew some of them, but I was too focused on walking the two blocks to work as fast as I could to notice.

Shivering from the cold, I waited for the light to change. As I crossed Centre Street, I slipped on the ice and came crashing down on the road.

I must have hit my head because I felt dizzy and nauseous. I couldn’t get up or even call out for help. I looked at the men on cash corner, my eyes pleading for help, and not one person moved to help me.

I remember thinking about what would happen when the light turned red. Panic set in so I crawled on my stomach like soldiers do in basic training to get under that net to the next obstacle in their exercise. I crawled/dragged myself to the other side of the street to the building that stands there. I pulled myself into a standing position using the building as support and waited there until my head stopped swimming. Then I walked to work.

I was not angry that day. More confounded, I think. Surprised that no one helped me.

In retrospect, it was almost like I just accepted that no one helped. I imagine most homeless folks have felt this way at one time or another. This is what it must be like to feel invisible.

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

Having asked several people over the years what the hardest part about being homeless is, most answered along these lines: It’s not when people look at you as if you’re disgusting, it’s when people look right through you as if you’re invisible. Have you ever felt invisible?

Something very beautiful happens across the street. And it’s been happening for quite some time, long enough so that I can’t pinpoint exactly when it started.

I don’t often see them go into the apartment complex across the street.

I’ve only seen two or three enter the building over the years.

They looked as if they’d lost all hope. Their bodies bent by some unseen weight on their shoulders.

As if every drop of strength had been beaten out of them.

Dirty

unkempt

under the influence

seemingly at the end of their rope.

No, I haven’t seen many go in, but I have seen them come out.

Usually between 8:00 and 9:00AM. Sometimes just one, other times they exit in groups of two or more. Always groomed. Clean clothes. A travel coffee mug in hand. And on their backs, a backpack that I imagine is filled with their meager belongings and maybe a snack for the road. Their bodies still bent, yet maybe a little less so.

I think an angel lives across the street.

A kind soul who takes pity on those who live on the fringes of society. A loving human being who gives them shelter at night. An angel of mercy who washes their clothes and lets them have a shower. A compassionate man or woman who may even feed them breakfast before they head out for the day to face the harsh reality of their lives on the street.

The actions of this angel do not end homelessness in this cold Canadian city. These actions do not provide a permanent solution to homelessness. But to each individual person who is touched by this angel, these actions must mean the whole world.

I don’t really know what happens across the street. But I believe I am witness to something quite extraordinary. The truth is, I don’t think knowing more is even necessary.

Something tells me the benefactor across the street is not doing it for recognition or praise. That shining a light too intensely on his or her kindness would somehow ruin these beautiful acts.

I think an angel lives across the street…and that’s enough for me.

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

I have marveled and wondered a lot about the activities across the street over the years. Does your neighbourhood have an angel? Can you think of a time when you witnessed an act of compassion and kindness that touched you deeply?

The most effective and satisfying investment you will ever make is to invest in the lives of people…

Last night I went to the 14th Annual Music for a Winter Evening at the EPCOR Centre – a beautiful, traditional Christmas concert that set the mood for this ‘most wonderful time of the year.’

Hosted by Calgary’s very own beloved Darrel Janz with performances by Corpus Christi Male Chorale and special guest Tenore, it was a magical evening; setting the stage for the Christmas season. All proceeds from the concert and the Room for Hope Campaign benefit the Calgary Dream Centre in their work to help men break the cycles of addictions and homelessness.

During the evening, Luke, a client of the Calgary Dream Centre, along with his mom, took the stage and shared his moving story about struggling with addictions and overcoming them through the Dream Centre’s 49-day treatment program. I am so proud of Luke and admire his beautiful mom for standing by him; her love never allowing her to give up on her son.

This beautiful and inspiring evening would not have happened without the faith in the treatment program, and financial backing of, Legacy Kitchens and Dennis Plintz & Associates with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada.

Thank you to the brave men who work hard to change their lives, the inspiring performers, the above-mentioned sponsors and to all those who bought tickets and donated toward this campaign. You are making a real difference for men like Luke.